Patentable/Patents/US-11954650
US-11954650

Managing in-person property access using geofences

PublishedApril 9, 2024
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Inventorsnot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

The described techniques relate generally to managing in-person access of users to physical properties based at least in part on tracking geographical locations of devices of the users, such as by using one or more geofences created around a physical property to provide authorized users with temporary access to the physical property based at least in part on tracked geographical locations of devices of the users. In some situations, a specialized server provides information to a user's mobile device about the geofence(s), and the mobile device notifies the specialized server when it breaches one or more of the geofences. The specialized server may perform further related activities, such as perform tracking of locations of users as they move around a physical property, and further analyzing the tracked location information to determine associated information and initiate corresponding additional automated activities.

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 wherein the one or more devices further include at least one additional device installed at a fixed location at the physical property and having capabilities to monitor locations in at least some of the physical property, the at least one additional device being at least one of a video camera or a still camera or a Wi-Fi transmission device or a motion-sensing device, and wherein the one or more devices further includes at least one mobile device that is associated with at least one of the multiple indicated users and that is executing a client application to perform at least one of gathering data using sensors of the mobile device that include at least visual data and analyzing the gathered data to determine a location of the mobile device within the physical property, or receiving transmitted signals by the mobile device from a Wi-Fi device at the physical property, or transmitting wireless signals from the mobile device to at least one receiver device at the physical property.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for monitoring and tracking users within a physical property using a combination of fixed and mobile devices. The system addresses the challenge of accurately determining user locations and activities within a property, which is critical for security, automation, and user experience applications. The method involves deploying multiple devices, including at least one fixed device installed at a specific location within the property. These fixed devices may include video cameras, still cameras, Wi-Fi transmission devices, or motion-sensing devices, enabling monitoring of various areas within the property. Additionally, the system incorporates at least one mobile device associated with a user, running a client application that performs several functions. The mobile device can gather data using its sensors, such as visual data, to analyze and determine its location within the property. Alternatively, it can receive Wi-Fi signals from a fixed Wi-Fi device in the property or transmit wireless signals to a receiver device within the property. These interactions help triangulate the mobile device's position and track user movements. By combining data from fixed monitoring devices and mobile devices, the system provides a comprehensive solution for real-time location tracking and activity monitoring within a physical property, enhancing security and automation capabilities.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 wherein the analyzing of the information about the tracked locations of the multiple indicated users further includes determining an area of the physical property that is of disinterest to the multiple indicated users based at least in part on spending a determined aggregate amount of time in that area that is below a defined disinterest threshold, and wherein the method further comprises initiating at least one further automated activity in response to the analyzing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for analyzing user movement patterns within a physical property to identify areas of disinterest and trigger automated actions. The method involves tracking the locations of multiple users within the property over time, collecting data on their movements and dwell times in different areas. The system analyzes this data to determine regions where users spend significantly less time than a predefined threshold, classifying these areas as disinterested zones. For example, if users collectively spend less than a specified amount of time in a particular section of a building, that area is flagged as disinterested. The method then initiates automated activities in response to this analysis, such as adjusting environmental controls, modifying lighting, or triggering maintenance alerts. The system may also integrate with other tracking methods, like motion sensors or user input, to refine the analysis. The automated actions help optimize resource usage, improve user experience, or prompt maintenance in neglected areas. This approach is particularly useful in commercial or public spaces where understanding user behavior can enhance efficiency and functionality.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 wherein the multiple indicated users further include at least one user to perform in-person review of the physical property during the scheduled temporary access, and at least one additional user to provide services at the physical property during the scheduled temporary access.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing temporary access to physical properties, such as real estate, by coordinating multiple users with different roles. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and overseeing property access for various purposes, including inspections, maintenance, and service provision, while ensuring proper coordination among participants. The method involves scheduling temporary access to a physical property and identifying multiple users who will participate in the access event. These users include at least one individual responsible for performing an in-person review or inspection of the property during the scheduled time. Additionally, the method designates at least one other user to provide services at the property, such as maintenance, repairs, or other tasks, during the same access period. The system ensures that all necessary participants are properly assigned and coordinated to facilitate a smooth and efficient temporary access process. The method may also involve generating and distributing access credentials, such as digital keys or codes, to authorized users, and tracking their entry and exit from the property. It may further include monitoring compliance with access schedules and generating reports on the activities performed during the temporary access. The system helps streamline property management by automating coordination and reducing the risk of unauthorized access or scheduling conflicts.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 wherein the physical locking mechanism is a key controller associated with the physical property and the access information includes an access code for the key controller, and wherein the confirming that the access information is used to access the physical property for the scheduled temporary access includes receiving, by the one or more computing devices and from the key controller, a notification that the access code has been used with the key controller at an indicated time, the indicated time being within a defined amount of time from the time period.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing temporary access to a physical property using a key controller. The system addresses the challenge of securely granting and verifying temporary access to physical properties, such as homes, offices, or vehicles, without requiring physical key exchanges or manual oversight. The method involves a key controller associated with the physical property, which requires an access code to unlock it. The system generates and provides an access code to an authorized user for a scheduled temporary access period. To confirm that the access code was used, the key controller sends a notification to a computing device when the access code is entered. The notification includes the time the code was used, which must fall within a predefined time window around the scheduled access period. This ensures that the access was legitimate and occurred as intended. The system may also include additional features, such as verifying the identity of the user before providing the access code, tracking access history, and generating alerts for unauthorized or out-of-schedule access attempts. The method improves security by eliminating physical keys and providing real-time verification of access events.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 wherein the scheduled temporary access of the indicated user to the physical property further includes access criteria for providing of the access information to the mobile device that includes a defined proximity to the physical property and that further includes one or more additional criteria, and wherein the determining to provide the access information to the mobile device further comprises determining, by the one or more computing devices and before the providing of the access information, that all of the access criteria are satisfied.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing temporary access to physical property, addressing the challenge of securely granting and controlling access to restricted areas. The method involves scheduling temporary access for a user to a physical property, where the access is contingent on meeting predefined criteria. These criteria include the user's proximity to the property and additional conditions, such as time restrictions, user authentication, or environmental factors. The system uses one or more computing devices to verify that all access criteria are satisfied before transmitting access information to the user's mobile device. This ensures that access is only granted when all requirements are met, enhancing security and control over property access. The method may also involve monitoring the user's location and other contextual factors in real-time to dynamically assess eligibility for access. By integrating multiple verification steps, the system prevents unauthorized access while streamlining the process for legitimate users. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios like short-term rentals, secure facilities, or shared workspaces where controlled access is essential.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 10 wherein a boundary of the defined geofence is established to correspond to the defined proximity to the physical property, wherein the one or more additional criteria include one or more additional indicated users being present within the defined proximity to the physical property concurrent with the indicated user, and wherein the method further comprises determining, by the one or more computing devices, that the one or more additional indicated users are present within the defined proximity to the physical property concurrent with the indicated user based on at least one of determining for each of the one or more additional indicated users that an additional mobile device of that additional indicated user has breached the defined geofence, or receiving by at least one of the mobile device of the indicated user or a key controller at the physical property of additional access information for each of the one or more additional indicated users.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing access to a physical property based on geofencing and user presence. The method addresses the problem of ensuring secure and controlled access to a property by monitoring the proximity of authorized users and additional individuals. A geofence is established around the property, defining a boundary that corresponds to a specified proximity range. The system determines whether one or more additional users are present within this defined proximity concurrent with an authorized user. This is done by detecting whether additional mobile devices breach the geofence or by receiving access information for these users from either the authorized user's mobile device or a key controller at the property. The method ensures that access permissions are dynamically adjusted based on real-time presence data, enhancing security and access control. The system may also integrate with other criteria to further refine access decisions, such as verifying the identity or authorization status of additional users. This approach improves property security by ensuring that only authorized individuals are granted access, while also accommodating legitimate concurrent access scenarios.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 5 wherein the physical property is available for acquisition, and wherein the indicated user is at least one of a potential acquirer user, or a buyer agent user representing the potential acquirer user, or a listing agent user representing an owner of the physical property, or a user to provide services at the physical property during the scheduled temporary access.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing temporary access to physical properties, such as real estate, during acquisition processes. The method addresses the challenge of coordinating access between multiple parties involved in property transactions, including potential buyers, their agents, listing agents, and service providers. The system ensures that the physical property is available for acquisition and facilitates secure, scheduled access for authorized users. These users may include potential acquirer users, buyer agent users representing the acquirer, listing agent users representing the property owner, or service providers scheduled to work at the property. The method streamlines communication and access control, reducing inefficiencies in property viewings, inspections, or service visits. By integrating these roles into a unified system, the invention improves transparency and coordination among all stakeholders in the property acquisition process. The solution is particularly useful in real estate transactions where multiple parties need controlled access to the property at different stages.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the one or more devices include at least one additional device installed at a fixed location at the physical property and having capabilities to monitor locations in at least some of the physical property, and wherein the initiating of the tracking of the locations of the indicated user at the physical property includes at least one of providing instructions to begin the tracking of the locations or requesting tracking information corresponding to the time period.

Plain English Translation

A system for monitoring user locations within a physical property includes at least one additional device installed at a fixed location, capable of tracking user movements across parts of the property. The system initiates location tracking for a specified user during a defined time period by either sending instructions to start monitoring or requesting historical tracking data from the fixed device. The fixed device may use sensors, cameras, or other monitoring technologies to detect and record the user's movements. This system is designed to enhance security, access control, or operational efficiency by providing real-time or retrospective location data. The additional device may be integrated with other property management systems to correlate user movements with events or activities. The system ensures accurate tracking by leveraging multiple devices, improving reliability compared to single-point monitoring solutions. The fixed device may also adjust tracking parameters based on environmental conditions or user behavior to optimize performance. This approach is particularly useful in environments requiring precise location data, such as commercial buildings, industrial facilities, or smart homes.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The system of claim 15 wherein the at least one additional device includes at least one of a video camera or a still camera or a Wi-Fi transmission device or a motion-sensing device.

Plain English Translation

A system for monitoring and managing devices in a networked environment addresses the need for enhanced security and operational efficiency in surveillance and communication systems. The system integrates multiple types of devices, including video cameras, still cameras, Wi-Fi transmission devices, and motion-sensing devices, to provide comprehensive monitoring capabilities. These devices are interconnected within a network, allowing for centralized control and data aggregation. The system enables real-time monitoring, automated alerts, and remote management of the connected devices, improving situational awareness and response times. By incorporating diverse sensing and communication technologies, the system ensures robust functionality across various applications, such as security surveillance, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking. The integration of these devices enhances the system's adaptability and scalability, making it suitable for both residential and commercial settings. The system's ability to process and transmit data efficiently ensures reliable performance while minimizing latency and resource consumption. This approach simplifies device management and reduces the need for manual intervention, thereby increasing overall system reliability and user convenience.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the one or more devices include at least the mobile device of the indicated user, and wherein the tracking of the locations of the indicated user at the physical property includes at least one of gathering data using sensors of the mobile device that include at least visual data and analyzing the gathered data to determine a location of the mobile device within the physical property, or receiving transmitted signals by the mobile device from the beacon device at the physical property, or transmitting wireless signals from the mobile device to at least one receiver device at the physical property.

Plain English Translation

A system for tracking the location of a user within a physical property uses one or more devices, including the user's mobile device, to monitor movement and position. The system employs multiple methods to determine the user's location. One approach involves using the mobile device's sensors, such as cameras, to capture visual data, which is then analyzed to identify the device's position within the property. Another method involves the mobile device receiving signals from beacon devices placed at specific locations within the property, allowing the system to triangulate the user's position based on signal strength or other characteristics. Additionally, the mobile device may transmit wireless signals to receiver devices located throughout the property, enabling the system to track the user's movement by detecting signal reception at different points. This multi-modal tracking approach ensures accurate and reliable location data, which can be used for applications such as security monitoring, navigation assistance, or automated property management. The system dynamically adapts to different environments and conditions, providing continuous location tracking without requiring constant user interaction.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The system of claim 17 wherein the initiating of the tracking of the locations of the indicated user at the physical property includes providing corresponding instructions to a client application executing on the mobile device to perform the at least one of the gathering of the data or the receiving of the transmitted signals or the transmitting of the wireless signals.

Plain English Translation

A system for tracking user locations within a physical property involves monitoring movement by gathering data from a mobile device or receiving transmitted signals from the device. The system includes a server that processes location data to determine the user's position within the property. When tracking is initiated, the system sends instructions to a client application on the mobile device to perform at least one of the following: collecting location data, receiving signals from external sources, or transmitting wireless signals to aid in tracking. The system may also include a network interface for communication, a processor for data analysis, and a memory for storing location information. The tracking process can be adjusted based on predefined rules or user preferences, ensuring accurate and efficient monitoring of movement within the property. This technology addresses the need for precise indoor location tracking, which is challenging due to signal interference and limited GPS accuracy in enclosed spaces. The system enhances security, asset management, and user experience in environments like offices, warehouses, or smart homes by providing real-time location data.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The system of claim 14 wherein at least one of the one or more devices performs tracking operations on a substantially constant basis that has begun before the determining that the defined geofence has been breached, and wherein the initiating of the tracking of the locations of the indicated user at the physical property includes, after the scheduled temporary access has ended, gathering the information from the one or more devices about the tracked locations of the indicated user at the physical property during the scheduled temporary access.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a geofence-based tracking system for monitoring user access to a physical property. The system addresses the problem of ensuring that users with temporary access to a property do not remain after their authorized time has ended. The system uses one or more devices to track the locations of an indicated user within a defined geofence boundary. Before determining that the geofence has been breached, at least one of the devices performs continuous tracking operations. When the scheduled temporary access period ends, the system initiates tracking of the user's locations within the property. This includes gathering location data from the devices about the user's movements during the authorized access period. The system ensures compliance with access restrictions by monitoring both real-time breaches and historical movement data. The tracking devices may include sensors, cameras, or other location-tracking hardware deployed within the property. The system provides automated verification of user presence and movement, reducing the need for manual oversight. This approach enhances security by detecting unauthorized prolonged access and ensuring that users leave the property as scheduled.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The system of claim 14 wherein the analyzing of the information about the tracked locations of the indicated user includes identifying an area of the physical property that is of disinterest to the indicated user based at least in part on spending a determined amount of time in that area that is below a defined disinterest threshold, and wherein the automated operations further includes initiating a further automated activity in response to the analyzing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for monitoring and analyzing user behavior within a physical property, such as a building or facility, to optimize operations based on user activity patterns. The system tracks the locations of users within the property and analyzes this data to identify areas that are of disinterest to specific users. Disinterest is determined by measuring the amount of time a user spends in a particular area and comparing it to a predefined threshold. If the time spent is below this threshold, the area is flagged as disinterested. The system then initiates automated actions in response to this analysis, such as adjusting environmental controls, modifying access permissions, or triggering maintenance tasks. The system may also integrate with other subsystems, such as security or energy management systems, to further enhance its functionality. The goal is to improve efficiency, security, and user experience by dynamically responding to user behavior within the property.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The system of claim 14 wherein the scheduled temporary access of the indicated user to the physical property for the associated time period is further for a group of multiple users whose locations are tracked at the physical property during the scheduled temporary access, wherein the analyzing of the information about the tracked locations of the indicated user further includes analyzing the tracked locations of the multiple users to determine an area of the physical property that is of disinterest to the multiple users based at least in part on spending a determined aggregate amount of time in that area that is below a defined disinterest threshold, or that the multiple users access the restricted area despite being unauthorized to enter the restricted area, or aggregate movement patterns of the multiple users in the physical property, and wherein the automated operations further includes initiating a further automated activity in response to the analyzing.

Plain English Translation

This system relates to access control and monitoring within physical properties, addressing challenges in managing temporary access for groups of users and analyzing their behavior to enhance security and operational efficiency. The system tracks the locations of multiple users during their scheduled temporary access to a physical property, evaluating their movements to identify areas of disinterest or unauthorized access. Specifically, it determines if users spend insufficient time in certain areas (below a defined threshold) or access restricted zones without authorization. Additionally, the system analyzes aggregate movement patterns to detect anomalies or inefficiencies. Based on this analysis, the system triggers automated actions, such as alerts, access adjustments, or further monitoring. The solution improves security by detecting unauthorized access and optimizes property usage by identifying underutilized spaces. The system integrates location tracking, behavioral analysis, and automated responses to enhance control over physical access and user activity within monitored environments.

Claim 22

Original Legal Text

22. The system of claim 14 wherein the tracking of the locations is further performed for multiple users participating in multiple scheduled temporary accesses to the physical property for multiple time periods, wherein the analyzing of the information about the tracked locations of the indicated user further includes analyzing the tracked locations of the multiple users to determine at least one of an area of the physical property that is of disinterest to the multiple users based at least in part on spending a determined aggregate amount of time in that area that is below a defined disinterest threshold, or that the multiple users access the restricted area despite being unauthorized to enter the restricted area, or aggregate movement patterns of the multiple users in the physical property, and wherein the automated operations further includes initiating a further automated activity in response to the analyzing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for tracking and analyzing the movement of multiple users within a physical property during temporary access periods. The system monitors the locations of users over multiple scheduled time periods to identify patterns and anomalies in their behavior. Specifically, it analyzes tracked locations to determine areas of disinterest, unauthorized access to restricted zones, or aggregate movement patterns across the property. Areas of disinterest are identified when users collectively spend less than a defined threshold of time in a particular area. Unauthorized access is detected when users enter restricted areas without permission. Movement patterns are analyzed to understand how users navigate the property. The system then initiates automated actions based on these findings, such as alerts, access adjustments, or further monitoring. This technology helps property managers optimize space usage, enhance security, and improve access control by leveraging real-time location data and behavioral analytics.

Claim 24

Original Legal Text

24. The system of claim 14 wherein the one or more computing devices include the mobile device, and wherein at least one of the determining that the defined geofence has been breached or the tracking of the locations is performed at least in part by the mobile device.

Plain English Translation

A system for geofence monitoring and location tracking involves a mobile device and one or more computing devices. The system defines a geofence, which is a virtual boundary around a geographic area, and monitors whether the mobile device enters or exits this boundary. The mobile device itself may perform at least part of the geofence breach detection or location tracking, reducing reliance on external servers. This approach improves efficiency and responsiveness by leveraging the mobile device's processing capabilities. The system may also include additional computing devices that assist in tracking and analyzing location data, ensuring accurate and timely monitoring of the mobile device's position relative to the geofence. The system is useful for applications such as asset tracking, personal safety monitoring, or location-based services where real-time geofence breaches need to be detected and acted upon. By distributing the processing tasks between the mobile device and other computing devices, the system balances computational load and ensures reliable performance.

Claim 26

Original Legal Text

26. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 25 wherein the physical property is available for acquisition, wherein the multiple indicated users include at least one potential acquirer user and at least one agent user representing the at least one potential acquirer user.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing the acquisition of physical properties, such as real estate, through a digital platform. The system facilitates interactions between potential acquirer users and agent users representing those acquirers. The platform enables the acquisition of physical properties by allowing users to access and evaluate available properties, with the system ensuring that the properties are actively listed and available for purchase. The system includes a user interface that displays property details, such as location, price, and features, and allows users to submit offers or inquiries. Agent users, acting on behalf of potential acquirer users, can negotiate terms, schedule viewings, and facilitate transactions. The system may also include features for verifying property availability, tracking user interactions, and managing communication between parties. The goal is to streamline the acquisition process by providing a centralized, efficient platform that connects buyers and their representatives with available properties.

Claim 27

Original Legal Text

27. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 26 wherein the multiple indicated users further include at least one user to provide services at the physical property during the scheduled temporary access, and wherein the stored contents include software instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more computing devices to perform further automated operations including analyzing information about aggregate activities of two or more of the multiple indicated users during the scheduled temporary access, and providing information about results determined from the analyzing.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for managing temporary access to a physical property, particularly for coordinating activities among multiple users during the access period. The system addresses challenges in tracking and analyzing user interactions within a shared physical space, such as a rental property or event venue, to enhance security, efficiency, and service quality. The system stores data about multiple users granted temporary access to the property, including at least one user designated to provide services during the access period. The system monitors and records aggregate activities of two or more users during the access, such as movement patterns, service requests, or resource usage. It then analyzes this data to generate insights, such as identifying high-traffic areas, service bottlenecks, or compliance with access rules. The results are provided to stakeholders, such as property owners or service providers, to inform decision-making, optimize resource allocation, or improve future access management. The system automates the collection and analysis of user activity data, reducing manual oversight and enhancing situational awareness. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple parties interact within a shared space, such as short-term rentals, co-working spaces, or event hosting, where tracking and optimizing user behavior is critical. The invention improves operational efficiency and security by leveraging real-time data analysis to support dynamic access management.

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Patent Metadata

Filing Date

December 31, 2022

Publication Date

April 9, 2024

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